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Hello Ocean County! Hope your coffee tastes especially good this morning.
In today’s bring-the-kiddos edition: Six Flags safari drive-thru, a full-dome aurora film, and Laser Vinyl classic rock show + excuses to get the fam out and about this week.
Today’s sponsor, Spot Pet Insurance, is something I wish I had before a late-night emergency vet visit left me with a $10,000 credit card bill. It’s cheaper than Netflix… and means you never have to choose between your pet and your savings. It takes less than 5 minutes to sign up – get started here.
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📰 In the news
Effortless wildlife encounters await: Here in Jackson Township, explore the 350-acre Six Flags Wild Safari from your car, spotting elephants, giraffes, rhinos, and more than 1,200 animals on a drive lasting about an hour — read the full story.
Decision on shelter program ahead: Toms River Zoning Board will consider March 12 transitional housing at a six bedroom St. Joseph’s Church house for women and children, with mayoral support and recidivism under 1 percent — see what’s being considered.
Fresh openings across New Jersey: Roots Steakhouse will open its sixth location in Rumson soon, bringing steaks and seafood. Plus, Toms River is getting a new Ace Hardware as the business scene heats up — see what’s opening and where.
Gold & silver are hot: Coming off gold’s best year since 1979, the momentum is carrying well into 2026 with silver remaining one of the most talked-about assets. Curious why they’re back in focus? American Hartford Gold has a free guide that explains what’s happening and how people are approaching it today. It’s free – and definitely worth a read.
Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175/month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.
Highlights this week:
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🐾 One pet emergency can cost $10,000+
Together with our sponsor Spot Pet Insurance
Nothing prepares you for a late-night emergency at the vet. I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache.
From the initial exam fee just to be seen, to x-rays, surgery, medication, and follow-up visits… the bill racks up fast (to say the least). And at that moment? You’re not thinking about your savings, you’re just saying yes to whatever keeps them thriving.
As soon as we got home, I dug around online and ultimately signed up for Spot.
It’s super affordable and reimburses up to 90% on qualified vet bills. It was too late for me, but it’s not too late for you. Sign up today.
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🫶 We got your back
Tapas worth sharing: When the tapas craving hits, Spanish Potato Grill serves garlicky shrimp, flambéed chorizo, and dangerously snackable Spanish potatoes, plus paella if you “accidentally” stay for mains. A cozy neighborhood spot for grazing with friends and a little Madrid daydream, no TSA required.
Tackle upgrade time: Whether you’re chasing bay schoolies or surf fluke, Gabriel Tackle Co.has the bait, rigs, and straight-shooting advice to dial it in. Family-run and fully stocked, they keep tabs on what’s biting, making it a reliable pit stop before your next cast.
Movie night, sorted: When the week calls for popcorn therapy, Marquee Cinemas – Orchard 10 delivers easy comfort with cushy seats, spotless auditoriums, and a steady slate of crowd-pleasers. A quick escape, familiar favorites, and zero fuss add up to a small win on an ordinary weeknight.
Access cash without selling your home: A reverse mortgage can help anyone over 62 cover everyday expenses, support healthcare needs, fund home improvements, or even reduce pressure on 401(k) withdrawals – all while staying in your home. Longbridge offers a free calculator to estimate how much flexibility your home could provide, with no commitment required.
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📆 Fun for the whole fam
Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →
All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.
🍀 Kids Night with a Leprechaun @ Friendly’s | Thursday (3/5) at 5:30 PM – Whether your kid still believes in leprechauns or just believes in sprinkles, this low-stress outing serves up ice cream with a pint-sized Irish VIP. Expect sticky smiles, sugar-fueled charm, and a shamrock selfie you can trade for cooperation at bedtime.
🎸 Laser Vinyl @ Robert J. Novins Planetarium | Friday (3/6) at 7:00 PM – Think you still know every riff from Zeppelin to Floyd? This classic rock laser show delivers 44 tight minutes of floor-shaking sound, trippy visuals, and pure nostalgia, basically your old planetarium date night upgraded. Heads up, lots of flashing lights, photosensitive friends beware.
🃏 Card & Collectibles Show & Fundraiser @ Barnegat High School | Saturday (3/7) at 9:00 AM – Dust off the binders and that box in the closet, and come trade, buy, or just gawk at sports cards, comics, and vintage oddities. A relaxed collectibles show that doubles as a fundraiser, where your nostalgia habit finally counts as community service.
🎉 Tardi Gras 2026 @ Silverton Volunteer Fire Company | Saturday (3/7) at 12:00 PM – Dust off the beads and embrace your second wind at Tardi Gras 2026, the delightfully late after-party winter deserved. Expect lively vibes, local camaraderie, and a feel-good excuse to do some good. RSVP at kskittenrescue.org/tardigras, then practice your parade wave.
⭐ Stars In My Backyard @ Robert J. Novins Planetarium | Saturday (3/7) at 1:30 PM – Let the kids trade YouTube for the universe with a live, under-the-dome tour of the current sky, featuring stories, songs, and even a pop-up rainstorm. Trust me, presenter-led and fun, best for grades 1 to 4, it covers the sun, moon, constellations, and planets.
👜 Designer Bag Bingo @ Saint Barbara Greek Orthodox Church Greek Festival | Saturday (3/7) at 6:00 PM – Skip mall parking wars and play Designer Bag Bingo benefiting Toms River High School students. Forty bucks gets you 10 games with four boards, a door prize ticket, 50/50s, and second-chance drawings; bring a donation for extra chances, and groups of eight get reserved seats.
🎨 Paint and Take @ On Military Matters | Sunday (3/8) at 10:00 AM – If you need an excuse to dust off the detail brushes, this is it. Bring your minis, or grab the free miniature for everyone, then hang out with fellow gamers, trade tips, relax, and enjoy gloriously tiny victories, newbies and veterans alike, all ages welcome.
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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🔥 Worth a peek
We’re always on the hunt for useful resources, deals, services, and products we think you’ll love. Here’s what caught our eye this week.
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📻 Ocean County report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 52°F – Low: 38°F – Precip: 25%
A chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 52. North wind 0 to 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible. Later: Rain likely. Cloudy, with a low around 38. East wind around 0 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
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Tomorrow – High: 48°F – Low: 40°F – Precip: 61%
Rain showers likely. Cloudy, with a high near 48. East wind 0 to 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible. Later: Rain showers likely before 1am, then showers and thunderstorms. Cloudy, with a low around 40. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Someone Googled you this week 👀
It may feel like an invasion of privacy, but unfortunately It’s the new normal. Whether you’re joining a committee, selling something locally, dating again, or just meeting new neighbors… people are going to look you up online.
Like it or not, the internet has a way of surfacing past mistakes and outdated information that no longer reflects who you are.
Thankfully, there’s a really easy way for you – or someone you care about – to clean up outdated results that no longer tell the real story. Learn more here.
This house is wild
This 3-bed, 2-bath side-hall colonial shines with natural light and old-world character. A generous eat-in kitchen suits everyday meals and easy entertaining, while a circular archway artfully links the dining and living rooms. An enclosed sunporch invites quiet moments, and a large, level backyard elevates gatherings. Near the Randolph line, 4-minute drive to the train, close to schools and shopping.
Take a peek inside →
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